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file photo by Michael Bridge With the cost of living going through the roof, and just topping up the car is now a luxury, retirees in Thailand need to count every baht they get each month. Over the past few months, the British media have been reporting on the government’s plans to increase the UK pensions by up to GBP10 a week. That equates at today’s rate of exchange of an extra THB1,760 a month. Sounds great, but because we all decided to retire to the land of smiles, our monthly payments are not indexed link. Live in Spain or even the Philippines and UK pensioners will get the extra. So why should I be penalised for deciding to move to Thailand to retire? I actually wrote about this situation a couple of months ago when they launched a UK Govt petition. So far over 8,500 viewed the post and the petition has risen to over 9,500 votes. If we can reach 10,000 signatures by May 29th then the government must respond to this petition. As a British taxpayer for most of my life, the UK awarded me the top bracket for my pension when I reached 65 years old. That was seven years ago, and they gave me GBP177.50 a week. OK to start with that meant they transferred THB36,400 a month to my Thai bank account. Now at the current exchange rate, that has dropped to THB30,000 a month. However, as this is not indexed linked, I still get GBP177.50 today because OAPs in some parts of Asia are not entitled to have their payments indexed linked at all. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe If, however, I had decided to retire to say Spain, today they would be sending me GBP185.00 a week, which would equate at today’s exchange rate to THB32,584 a month. That extra THB2,584 a month would go a long way in buying my monthly food bill. I left England back in 2004 and therefore canceled all my UK bank accounts as I moved to the UAE and then Thailand. Now I am sure several of you who still retain an address in the UK, could get around the system by having their pension paid into a UK bank and then sent over here. However, you do need a permanent UK address, which I do not have. Unfair retiring in Thailand I still find it hard to take on board that if I paid my taxes and National insurance why can I not choose where I want to live? What difference to the UK Pension office is it, if they transfer my pension to Spain or Thailand? It is about time all of us UK expats got a fair deal. Let us know if you are also becoming the poor relation in expat pension transfers or is it just our bad luck. Could we do anything about it? YES....Here is the latest petition to the British government. Please add your name. https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/601821 On April 18th through the efforts of our AseanNow viewers, the petition had reached 9,759 votes, just a mere 241 to go so tell your UK expats to keep voting. It could make a difference. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-16 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 16 April 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1256925-thailand-live-saturday-16-april-2022/

Justice Ministry Plans to Establish DNA and Biometric Collection Center to Reduce Crimes BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Justice is proposing the establishment of a center to collect DNA and biometric information from inmates and suspects charged by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to reduce repeated crimes in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256895-justice-ministry-plans-to-establish-dna-and-biometric-collection-center-to-reduce-crimes/

Villagers of Bang Bo District suffer unregulated hazardous electricity poles The villagers and residents of the Bang Bo District, Samut Prakan in Thailand have expressed their disappointment at fact that electric poles are so low to the ground, as their main complaint was that the wires dangling from the poles constitute a grave danger for passerby people and drivers driving on the roads. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256920-villagers-of-bang-bo-district-suffer-unregulated-hazardous-electricity-poles/

Dicing with death: Thai motorists continue to play with their lives on the roads During the Songkran festival, perhaps even more so than during other long holidays, the issue of road safety is taken seriously. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256875-dicing-with-death-thai-motorists-continue-to-play-with-their-lives-on-the-roads/

During the Songkran festival, perhaps even more so than during other long holidays, the issue of road safety is taken seriously. The fact that we still call the Thai New Year holidays “the 7 dangerous days” and report the daily death and injury tolls says a lot about the situation. Pandemic or not, Thailand’s roads remain the deadliest in Southeast Asia, and among the top 10 in the global hall of shame. As Thais travel for vacations or to their homes during the major festival, which this year ends on Sunday, April 17, the number of road injuries and deaths increases. The pattern is repeated every year and the reasons behind the injuries of fatalities are always the same – drunk driving, speeding, and not wearing helmets. Sadly, all the causes of accidents can be prevented. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Every time the road safety issue is highlighted such as during festivals or after shocking accidents, the authorities go on high alert and react. But most of the time, it is the same old Thailand where lax law enforcement, negligent police, and irresponsible drivers meet on the streets. That’s the reason why Thailand’s road fatality rate is more than double the global average of 18 per 100,000 population. In 2012, Thailand’s fatalities caused by road accidents were 36.2 per 100,000 people according to the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s report. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/dicing-with-death-thai-motorists-continue-to-play-with-their-lives-on-the-roads/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-04-15 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Video: Every dog has his day! This mutt puts one over on Thai man Daily News Thai Caption: The appearance of a thief! Daily News reported on a video being widely viewed and commented upon on Facebook. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256874-video-every-dog-has-his-day-this-mutt-puts-one-over-on-thai-man/

Daily News Thai Caption: The appearance of a thief! Daily News reported on a video being widely viewed and commented upon on Facebook. It featured two men outside a property talking. One is on a motorcycle playing with his phone. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe A dog comes up and he is half interested. But it soon dawns on him that a shoe is missing. Chuckles can be heard on the video as the man cannot put two and two together. The CCTV revealed that it was a local dog that took the shoe. Netizens loved the video with some saying facetiously "you just can't trust thieves these days". -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-15 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

10,000 tourists flock to Koh Phi Phi for Songkran Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that 10,000 Thai and foreign tourists had descended on Koh Phi Phi, the famous holiday island in Krabi southern Thailand, for the Songkran holidays. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256872-10000-tourists-flock-to-koh-phi-phi-for-songkran/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that 10,000 Thai and foreign tourists had descended on Koh Phi Phi, the famous holiday island in Krabi southern Thailand, for the Songkran holidays. The media said that restaurant and resort owners were smiling again after two Songkran washouts in the last two years due to the pandemic. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Proving particularly popular was Maya Bay, recently reopened after several years of closure to help the area recover its natural environment after years of over-tourism. It is thought that 400 million baht will be spent in the island economy during the New Year holidays. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-15 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information Picture: Thai Rath Picture: Thai Rath Picture: Thai Rath Picture: Thai Rath

21 injured in seven vehicle pile up at Lopburi lights - Indian tourists in van that allegedly caused it Naew Na Thai Caption:7 vehicle pile up - 21 injured at intersection with traffic lights Naew Na reported that yesterday evening the Muang Khom police in Lopburi province, central Thailand, attended the scene after a multiple vehicle pile-up. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256871-21-injured-in-seven-vehicle-pile-up-at-lopburi-lights-indian-tourists-in-van-that-allegedly-caused-it/

Naew Na Thai Caption: 7 vehicle pile up - 21 injured at intersection with traffic lights Naew Na reported that yesterday evening the Muang Khom police in Lopburi province, central Thailand, attended the scene after a multiple vehicle pile-up. It happened at KM marker 51 on Route 21 at an intersection. Seven vehicles were involved. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Naew Na These included an MG, two Toyota Commuter vans, a Vigo pick-up, a Revo and a Ford Ranger. There were a total of 21 injuries with eight victims being taken to Tha Luang Hospital and the rest being ferried to Chaibadan Hospital. None of the injuries were serious. Picture: Naew Na The media suggested the accident was caused by a van carrying a group of Indian tourists. The van plowed into the other vehicles waiting at the lights. Police are investigating as the media speculated about it involving alcohol, microsleep or just negligent driving. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-15 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Brake failure! Eight tourists survive after pick-up overturns on Phetchabun hill - PYB son not so lucky Picture: INN INN reported on an accident on a hill leading down from the popular resort area of Phu Thap Buek in Phetchabun, NE Thailand yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256870-brake-failure-eight-tourists-survive-after-pick-up-overturns-on-phetchabun-hill-pyb-son-not-so-lucky/

Picture: INN INN reported on an accident on a hill leading down from the popular resort area of Phu Thap Buek in Phetchabun, NE Thailand yesterday. A black Vigo suffered brake failure and the driver lost control as they descended the hill. Despite the pick-up overturning and possessions being scattered everywhere, no one was killed in the accident. One was seriously injured, two had medium injuries and 5 escaped with minor injuries. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: INN Meanwhile the same media also reported on a man in a pick-up who was not so lucky. This was Jaturaporn, 28, who drove his vehicle into a pond after failing to negotiate a bend in the road in Thung Song, Nakhon Sri Thammarat, southern Thailand. Divers found the vehicle in four meters of water but there was no driver. Jaturporn was found ten meters away after a one hour search. The deceased is the son of a local village leader or phu yai ban. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-15 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

It's not how you drive, it's the power of the amulet you wear! Pick-up guy in a klong thanks famous abbot Thai media Siam Rath continued their fascination with what amulets Thai drivers are wearing when they have "miracle survivals". Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256869-its-not-how-you-drive-its-the-power-of-the-amulet-you-wear-pick-up-guy-in-a-klong-thanks-famous-abbot/

Picture: Siam Rath Thai media Siam Rath continued their fascination with what amulets Thai drivers are wearing when they have "miracle survivals". Rarely do such stories contain criticism of driving standards; the amulet is the news. This one happened in a klong near the estate of Thap Krabeu in Samrong sub-district of Surin, NE Thailand. Surachet, 35, was at the wheel of an Isuzu D-Max that ended up in a 3 meter deep klong or water irrigation ditch after a tire exploded. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He said he was only going 60 kmph, went into a spin and thought he was going to die in the deep klong. Picture: Siam Rath But by some miracle he did not overturn in the klong and was able to save himself. He put all this down to Luang Poo Heng the abbot of Wat Pattana-aram in Surin. His gracious benevolence, through the amulet around his neck, saved the day. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-15 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Songkran crime crackdown: Thousands arrested including 777 for spreading Fake News Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported on a press conference attended by RTP deputy commander Gen Roy Inkhaphairoj who gave details of a Songkran crime crackdown from 8th to 14th April. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256867-songkran-crime-crackdown-thousands-arrested-including-777-for-spreading-fake-news/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported on a press conference attended by RTP deputy commander Gen Roy Inkhaphairoj who gave details of a Songkran crime crackdown from 8th to 14th April. In total 44,833 were arrested in cases involving gambling, drugs, guns, prostitution and online crime. Main point of interest was that 777 people had been caught under the banner of sharing and starting fake news. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Gambling caused 5,810 arrests, drugs 10,420, guns 2,334 and prostitution 233. More than 12,000 arrest warrants were served. Most of the rest of the crime involved contraventions of the immigration law. Apart from those arrested for spreading fake news,a further 2,440 people were caught engaging in online gambling and hundreds more were arrested for online money and goods' swindles. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-15 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Expert Warns Covid Cases Post Songkran Could Triple by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - A medical expert has warned that the number of Covid-19 cases in Thailand will likely double or triple after the long Songkran holidays due to large crowds and parties at entertainment venues across the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256866-expert-warns-covid-cases-post-songkran-could-triple/

by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - A medical expert has warned that the number of Covid-19 cases in Thailand will likely double or triple after the long Songkran holidays due to large crowds and parties at entertainment venues across the country. Associate Professor Thira Woratanarat of Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine wrote in an online post that many tourist attractions and entertainment venues have reportedly allowed their patrons or visitors to party and gather in large numbers to celebrate the Songkran festival. During the long holidays, the government prohibits water splashing, power smearing, and alcohol consumption at all Songkran venues. However, a number of revelers, both Thai and foreign, have been caught flouting the order, prompting authorities to threaten businesses that allow violations to occur with hefty fines. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Dr. Thira observed that the number of daily Covid-19 cases increased two to threefold after the long Songkran holidays last year, and predicted a similar situation this year. The Chulalongkorn professor attributed the increase in Covid cases mainly to a widespread belief that the current dominant Omicron variant is mild and controllable. Dr. Thira warned that even after they recovered from the illness, Covid patients faced long-term effects on their health and daily lives, as they could develop other chronic diseases that impose a significant financial burden on themselves, their families, and the country in the long run. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-15 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Arrest warrant for former Thai soldier after 4.5 million baht armed gold shop robbery at Lotus, Korat Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that the Yaowarat Krungthep gold shop on the first floor of Lotus, Nakhon Ratchasima was hit in an armed robbery. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256865-arrest-warrant-for-former-thai-soldier-after-45-million-baht-armed-gold-shop-robbery-at-lotus-korat/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that the Yaowarat Krungthep gold shop on the first floor of Lotus, Nakhon Ratchasima was hit in an armed robbery. CCTV caught a tall, slim man dressed in black with gloves, a black balaclava and sneakers who went into the store and brandished a handgun threatening staff. He then jumped up onto the display area and helped himself to 51 gold necklaces of 3 baht weight each. This is worth 4.5 million baht. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The assailant then fled, it is believed on an orange and white Yamaha Fino motorcycle with no plates. The local court has issued an arrest warrant for robbery for 28 year old Kittipong Thaethaisong, a former soldier. In 2016 he was mixed up in an ice and yaba drugs case resulting in his arrest. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-15 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

FDA Warns Public Against Using Unapproved Mouth Spray for Covid by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about a mouth spray that claims to "catch and kill" the COVID-19 virus, saying the agency has never approved any product of such type. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256864-fda-warns-public-against-using-unapproved-mouth-spray-for-covid/

by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about a mouth spray that claims to "catch and kill" the COVID-19 virus, saying the agency has never approved any product of such type. According to FDA deputy secretary-general Weerachai Nolwachai, the product in question – made from longan extract and advertised on online media – was registered as a cosmetic food supplement with no medical qualifications. Weerachai stated that the FDA has never approved any mouth spray product that has the ability to stop or protect against the Covid virus. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Weerathai added that business owners who falsely advertise their cosmetic products face a maximum of one year in prison, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both. Those who provide false information about their food products could also face a maximum three-year prison sentence, a fine of up to 30,000 baht, or both. Weerachai urged consumers to double-check the information about FDA-approved products, report any suspected medical or food products, and file complaints by calling hotline 1556 or visiting www.fda.moph.go.th. The FDA can also be reached through the FDAThai Facebook page or the FDAThai Line Official account @FDAThai. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-15 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

TAT Expects Nearly Half a Million Visitors to Amazing Songkran Events by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) anticipates that the "Amazing Songkran 2022 Celebrations" event will bring in nearly 459,000 Thai and foreign tourists and generate up to 1.8 billion baht in revenue. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256863-tat-expects-nearly-half-a-million-visitors-to-amazing-songkran-events/